Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Bless Your Animals (Then Grace Yourself With A Margarita)

Prepping your dog or cat for sainthood? You might want to head down to Olvera Street on April 3 for the annual Blessing of the Animals.

The annual event, which takes place from noon to 5 p.m., features a procession on Olvera Street at 2 p.m., with the blessing -- done by Cardinal Roger Mahony -- immediately after.

Organizers promise live music, animal-oriented information booths, as well as "an exciting charro equestrian show, pony rides for children and a petting zoo complete with llamas, sheep, cows and other animals."

I got excited for a second -- a Churro show? Sounds delicious. Oh -- a charro equestrian show. I have no idea what that is, but I'm guessing it doesn't involve a woman playing guitar and screaming "coochie coochie" on the "Love Boat."

More info:

The centuries-old ceremony of Blessing of the Animals dates back to the fourth century when San Antonio de Abad was recognized as the Patron Saint of the Animal Kingdom. In those days, the people would take their animals to the priest to receive a blessing and ask for fertility and health. Today, Blessing of the Animals is held in grateful recognition of the tremendous services given to the human race by the animal kingdom.

This colorful celebration has delighted visitors to Olvera Street for generations. Over the years many animals have been blessed - from cats and dogs to more exotic pets such as snakes and iguanas. A cow covered with a blanket of flowers will lead the elaborate afternoon procession down Olvera Street because it is the animal which provides the most to humanity. After the procession, His Eminence Cardinal Roger M. Mahony will individually bless all pets; however, you do not need a pet to enjoy this beautiful, time-honored event.

We don't have pets -- but c'mon, Blogger Kid and Blogger Baby 2.0 are close enough.